Kerala High Court restrains Government from honouring M F Hussian

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday restrained the State Government from honouring the noted painter M F Hussain with the Raja Ravi Varma Award till further orders.

Kochi, Sept 12 : The Kerala High Court on Wednesday restrained the State Government from honouring the noted painter M F Hussain with the Raja Ravi Varma Award till further orders.

A Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice H L Dathu and Justice K T Shankaran after hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Ravi Varma, a member of the erstwhile Cochin Royal family, issued the interim order.The petitioner in the PIL filed submitted that Hussain had 'abused' the freedom of under Article 19 of the Constitution by depicting Hindu Gods and Goddesses in a 'vulgar' manner, disregarding religious sentiments and feelings.

The PIL also contended that the recipient is not a native of the State of Kerala, and the award is being conferred to a 'stranger' in complete violation of the norms.

The controversial decision was also against the directive principles of Constitution of India to maintain harmony among the people, the PIL stated.

However, the Bench said the State Government has the liberty to approach the court for modification of the order.

Hussain was scheduled to be awarded on September 17.

ANI